Element Name: Radon
Element Symbol: Rn
Atomic Number: 86
Atomic Mass: 222.0
Atomic Structure:
Number of protons within the nucleus: 86
Number of electrons within the neutral atom: 86
Most common isotope: Radon-222
Neutrons in most stable isotope: 136
Background
Scientist(s) who discovered the element: Friedrich Ernst Dorn
Year discovered: 1898
Origin of the name:The name "Radon" is based off of the element Radium (atomic number 88). Radon was originally named Niton from the Latin word "nitens" meaning "shining."
2 Most Common Uses: It is used in the treatment of cancer; however, it must be used carefully otherwise healthy cells will be killed in addition. It can also be used to produce neutrons for research.
Physical Properties
State of Matter at Room Temperature: Gas
Melting Point: -71°C
Boiling Point: -61.7°C
Density: 0.00973 grams per cubic centimeter
Abundance in Earth's Crust: 4×10-13 milligrams per kilogram
Chemical Properties
Other elements that react with Radon: Radon reacts with Fluorine to create difluoride Radon(II) fluoride
Compounds that contain Radon: Radon Fluoride (RnF)
Radon cannot be seen by the human eye, smelled, or tasted. However, it is still an extremely deadly form of radiation that has caused many deaths due to cancer. Radon can be used in association with a tool called a Geiger Counter in radiation detection. One can pass the Geiger Counter over a tube to detect if there is radiation leaking through it. Then, an isotope of Radon is added to the gas that flows throw the Geiger Counter. With the help of the isotope of Radon, radiation and leaks can be detected. When leaks are detected, the Geiger Counter makes a clicking noise to alert the user that there is leakage of the tube being tested.
Radon
General:Element Name: Radon
Element Symbol: Rn
Atomic Number: 86
Atomic Mass: 222.0
Atomic Structure:
Number of protons within the nucleus: 86
Number of electrons within the neutral atom: 86
Most common isotope: Radon-222
Neutrons in most stable isotope: 136
Background
Scientist(s) who discovered the element: Friedrich Ernst Dorn
Year discovered: 1898
Origin of the name:The name "Radon" is based off of the element Radium (atomic number 88). Radon was originally named Niton from the Latin word "nitens" meaning "shining."
2 Most Common Uses: It is used in the treatment of cancer; however, it must be used carefully otherwise healthy cells will be killed in addition. It can also be used to produce neutrons for research.
Physical Properties
State of Matter at Room Temperature: Gas
Melting Point: -71°C
Boiling Point: -61.7°C
Density: 0.00973 grams per cubic centimeter
Abundance in Earth's Crust: 4×10-13 milligrams per kilogram
Chemical Properties
Other elements that react with Radon: Radon reacts with Fluorine to create difluoride Radon(II) fluoride
Compounds that contain Radon: Radon Fluoride (RnF)
Radon cannot be seen by the human eye, smelled, or tasted. However, it is still an extremely deadly form of radiation that has caused many deaths due to cancer. Radon can be used in association with a tool called a Geiger Counter in radiation detection. One can pass the Geiger Counter over a tube to detect if there is radiation leaking through it. Then, an isotope of Radon is added to the gas that flows throw the Geiger Counter. With the help of the isotope of Radon, radiation and leaks can be detected. When leaks are detected, the Geiger Counter makes a clicking noise to alert the user that there is leakage of the tube being tested.
(Below is a picture of a Geiger Counter)Models
Bohr Model:
Lewis Dot Structure:
Works Cited
Bentor, Yinon. Chemical Element.com - Radon. Dec. 30, 2012 <http://www.chemicalelements.com/elements/rn.html>.
"Chemistry Explained." Radon, Chemical Element. Advameg, 2012. Web. 30 Dec. 2012.